Perfect Skin

*my scanner isn't working. If you have any pics of you/us doing my facials...send 'em on over!

I went to the dermatologist today for the first time because I wanted to see if there was anything I could do to make my skin better. I'm not loving all these "beauty marks" ; aka moles that keep on a'coming as I age and my skin could definitely be clearer. I went through enough acne trauma as a young teenager and would love to be rid of it once and for all.
The Dr. came in and said, "why are you here?" I then explained. He chuckled. "You see this and this and this and this and this?" I said. "And what about wrinkles? I'm not getting any younger and I need to prevent them before they happen." He laughed harder. He said my skin was perfect and that I honestly should be a skin model. I gasped. "Look-eeee heeeeere Doctor...." I said. "I just spent $40.00 on a copay to get my skin fixed so you better stop laughing and give me something to fix it." He gave me a sample. And Laughed again. And then left.

I should be flattered, right? Grateful even? Heck no! I'm vain, gosh darn it! Heaven forbid my dermatologist visit 10 years from now...

So in celebration of my perfect skin--here are my tricks of the trade. If you have known me at all in my life, then I have done this facial on you (yes boys--you know you did it too:) --but here's a recap anyway.

Carrie's Amazing Facial

Step 1)Wash face.
Step 2) Steam face to open the pores. Make a small pot of boiling water, set it on the table, add some chamomile tea or nice smelling stuff, turn on some music, and put a towel over your head. Breathe in and out of your mouth only (apply lip balm beforehand if needed). Stay here completely covered (it will be hot) for 10 minutes.
Step 3) Pop any zits only now if needed because this is when your pores are completely open.
Step 4) Put an a face mask. Yogurt works great!! I used to do just the yogurt nightly.
Step 5) Wipe off mask and rinse face with hot water.
Step 6) Get an ice cube and rub all over face until melted to close those pores.
Step 7) Moisturize and go to bed!

Do this 1x a week. Sunday nights are my favorites.

My Recipes:

Chocolate Face Mask
Combine Ingredients:
1 cup oatmeal powder (ground oatmeal in blender)
¼ cup cocoa powder
1/8 cup chopped walnuts (blended works best to increase the oil)
1/3 cup honey
1 Tbsp olive oil if skin is extra dry or walnuts if not used
milk or water as needed for consistency

Brown Sugar Facial Scrub
Combine Ingredients:
oatmeal powder (ground oatmeal in blender)
brown sugar
chopped walnuts
add water for consistency
Keep dry ingredients in jar for up to 1 month and add water to create facial OR body scrub.

Oatmeal is highly absorptive, hypoallergenic, and helps to soften skin. Oats have the best amino acid balance of all the cereal grains (amino acids work as water-binding agents in skin care products). Oats have also been clinically shown to help heal dry, itchy skin.
Milk contains lactic acid, a natural alpha hydroxy acid that helps the skin exfoliate dead skin cells away from the surface of the skin. It is also very hydrating and soothing to the complexion.
Cocoa because of the fatty acids, the skin becomes soft and nourished.Cocoa powder, which is what chocolate is made of, is a wonderful and powerful antioxidant. It protects and frees the skin from free radicals that cause significant damage to skin layers.
Honey is a great anti-bacterial agent, deeply cleanses your skin and opens up clogged pores.